Wednesday, August 16, 2006

The organisers of Games Market Europe have confirmed that this year's event, which was scheduled to take place in September, has been cancelled - but said there are plans to revise the format for 2007.

According to an official statement issued by co-organisers Barrington Harvey, more time is needed to properly assess the changing needs and desires of the industry. As a result, the GME event which was scheduled to take place on September 6th-7th in London has been postponed.

"As industries evolve so do the events that serve them and nothing demonstrates this more than the recent changes to E3 in the US," the statement reads.

"Whilst the Games Market Europe event format has previously proved popular in the UK, a decision has been taken to postpone this year's GME until 2007."

GME was designed as a low-cost networking event for publishers, distributors and the retail sector, but exhibitor interest has waned following last year's show.

There remains a general uncertainty with regard to the future of such events, following the news that E3 is to evolve into a much smaller show. Because of this, GME's organisers have decided to take time out and reassess the entire event.

"It gives us the chance to review the timing and specific format to ensure we deliver a high quality event in 2007 that reflects the UK games industry’s needs," the statement concludes.